Looking for funding to start or grow your business in Texas? Unlike traditional loans, business grants provide women entrepreneurs with funding they don’t have to repay. Opportunities are available through Texas-based organizations and national programs open to women-owned businesses nationwide.
Because grant amounts, eligibility requirements, and deadlines can change, it is important to apply early and carefully follow all application instructions. Competition can be intense, especially for well-known programs, but the awards make it worth the effort.
If you are ready to take the next step, here are some of the top business grants for women in Texas to help support and grow your enterprise.
Texas Woman’s University StartHER Grant
The StartHER Grant is offered by Texas Woman’s University (TWU) through its Center for Women Entrepreneurs. It provides grants of up to $5,000 to support existing Texas women-owned businesses. To be eligible, your business must be at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more women who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
To get started, visit TWU and locate the StartHER Grant program page. Read and understand the guidelines, and confirm that you meet the eligibility requirements. Send your application when the grant cycle opens.
Texas Women’s Foundation Community Grant Cycle
The Texas Women’s Foundation runs a Community Grant Cycle that supports organizations that improve women’s economic security and stability. The Foundation is currently accepting applications and offers grants of up to $40,000. This funding is typically for nonprofits serving women, girls, and families in the Dallas–Fort Worth area and surrounding counties. Women entrepreneurs can benefit from programs funded by this grant. Visit Texas Women’s Foundation’s grants page, review the 2026 guidelines, and apply through the official portal.
Inspiring Women Today EntrepreneuHER Micro-Grant (Texas)
The Inspiring Women Today (IWT)’s EntrepreneuHER Micro-Grant supports women founders in Texas by awarding two $500 microgrants to two deserving women. This program is helpful for early-stage business owners who need a small boost for business expenses like supplies, marketing, or basic equipment. This grant program might not offer substantial funding, but it’s a good starting point, especially if you’ve never applied before.
Visit Inspiring Women Today’s Texas grants page. Review the EntrepreneuHER Micro-Grant requirements and submit your application through the official process listed.
Midland Entrepreneurial Challenge
The Midland Entrepreneurial Challenge, offered by the Midland Development Corporation, is a Texas-based grant competition that awards a total of $500,000 to local entrepreneurs. Upon entering the challenge, you get access to one-on-one business coaching, and if you choose to go through the challenge, you stand a chance to win a share of the $500,000. Please note that you must pay a $ 350 fee to participate in the competition. If you are based in Midland and can explain your business idea clearly and compete in a structured process, you should give this program a try.
To get started, visit the Midland Entrepreneurial Challenge website. Register during the open application window, attend required sessions, and submit materials by deadlines.
Texas Department of Agriculture State Trade Program (STEP) Grant
Whether your business is already exporting or you want to move in that direction, STEP can help you realise your goals. The program aims to increase the number of entrepreneurs exporting products and enhance the value of exports for those already operating globally. If you are looking for business grants for women in Texas, you can get financial support from STEP. It’s currently closed, and updates on future funding will be communicated on the TDA website.
Amber Grant for Women
The Amber Grant is among the most well-known business grants for women and is open to founders in Texas. The program awards three $10,000 grants every month, plus three additional $50,000 annual year-end grants. The program runs year-round and accepts a wide range of women-owned businesses, including startups. It’s a strong backup option when Texas-only grants are limited or closed.
To apply, visit the Women’s Net website and locate the Amber Grant for Women page. Ensure you meet the eligibility requirements and fill out the application form, which requires a clear explanation of your business and how you’ll use the grant. Submit before the monthly deadline.
IFundWomen Grants
IFundWomen by Honeycomb is one of the best platforms for sourcing free funding for your business, whether you’re launching or expanding. These grants are made available through partnerships with Poker Power, Visa, and Angel City Football Club, among others. Women founders in Texas can use IFundWomen to find additional funding opportunities beyond local programs and apply directly through the platform.
To get started, visit IFundWomen’s grants page, check eligibility for the grant you want to apply for, and submit your application before the deadline.
North Texas SBDC Small Business
The North Texas Small Business Development Center has a grant resource page that helps business owners find updated grant opportunities, including Texas-based options. This is not a grant program itself, but it saves women entrepreneurs time by consolidating current grants and deadlines in one place. It can also help you find opportunities beyond the most common national grants, especially if you are searching for local and regional Texas programs.
Texas Grant Portal Listings for Women
The Texas Grant Portal lists funding opportunities, including business grants for women in Texas. This is a directory, not a funding source, but it can help women entrepreneurs discover new programs more quickly. Since grant details can change, it is important to confirm the award amount and eligibility rules on the official funder’s website before applying. This resource is useful when you want to expand your grant search beyond the most popular programs.
To get started, visit the Texas Grant Portal and locate the Texas Women’s Grants section. Search for opportunities that match your business goals, and apply on the official funder’s website listed in the post.
Hello Alice “Fund Her Future” Grant
The Fund Her Future Grant is hosted on Hello Alice and funded by Block Advisors, a brand of H&R Block. The program awards up to $100,000 grant to six recipients, plus a year of exceptional business services. While this is not Texas-specific, it is a great funding opportunity for eligible women-owned businesses and is worth considering. Because it can be competitive, preparing early is important.
Visit the Hello Alice Fund Her Future grant page, review eligibility rules and deadlines, and apply through the official application link.
Cartier Women’s Initiative (CWI)
Cartier Women’s Initiative is among the global free grants for women business owners, and U.S.-based founders are eligible to apply as long as they meet the requirements. It focuses on supporting businesses that create measurable environmental impact, such as helping communities, improving health, or solving social challenges. The program grants winners, depending on the award placement; the first-place awardee receives $100,000. The second and third-place awardees receive $60,000 and $30,000, respectively.
While it is competitive and requires a detailed application, it can be an excellent opportunity for Texas-based female entrepreneurs with a clear mission and a growth plan.
To get started, visit the Cartier Women’s Initiative official website. Review eligibility requirements and apply during the official open application window.
FedEx Small Business Grants Contest
FedEx offers a well-known Small Business Grant Contest open to U.S. businesses, including women-owned businesses in Texas. The grand prize winner receives $30,000, and the program also awards three additional $13,000 grants as “Special Mentions.”
This contest can be a great opportunity for Texas women entrepreneurs who can clearly explain their business model, impact, and how funding would ensure sustainable growth.
To apply, visit the official FedEx Small Business Grant Contest page when applications open, complete the required form, follow all contest guidelines, and submit before the deadline.
Securing funding to launch a business idea or support an existing business’s operations can be challenging, yes. But with careful planning and preparation, you can win any of the available business grants for women in Texas. Our guides on how to find business grants for women and how to write a small business grant proposal have found tips that’ll bring you close to a free funding opportunity and help propel your venture forward.
Next Read: 15 Best Business Grants for Women in Alabama
